Albanian woman, 30, in court accused stabbing girl, 7, to death as she rode her scooter in the park with her family

A WOMAN charged with the “random and unprovoked” murder of a seven-year-old schoolgirl has appeared in court.

Eltiona Skana, 30, is charged with stabbing to death Emily Jones in front of her parents in Bolton, Greater Manchester on Mother’s Day, while she was playing on her scooter in a park.

Emily was stabbed in the neck by a woman sat on a park bench as the youngster rode past her.

Albanian national Skana is also facing a charge of possessing a bladed weapon in connection with Emily’s death on March 22 this year.

Skana appeared today via video link at Manchester Crown Court for a plea and trial preparation hearing, the reports.

Her barrister Simon Czoka QC asked that the defendant not be asked to enter a plea at the hearing.

Skana did not speak during the brief hearing.

Following the disturbing attack in Queen’s Park, Skana was arrested on suspicion of murder and detained under the Mental Health Act.

Emergency services were called at around 2.35pm and Emily was rushed to Salford Royal Hospital but was pronounced dead at 3.56pm after medics had desperately tried to save her life.

Her parents in a touching tribute at the time called their daughter the “light of our lives”.

They said: “Emily was seven-years-old, our only child and the light of our lives.

“She was always full of joy, love and laughter.

“Emily had such a cheeky smile and was beautiful inside and out. She had a heart as big as her smile.”

Present at the hearing was Emily’s father Mark Jones.

A further hearing was scheduled for November 6.

A trial date was previously set for November 23 and a psychiatric report ordered.